Introduction

It feels like OLED displays are the new volume knob trend when it comes to mechanical keyboards in 2023. I've covered several keyboards already that do this, including Epomaker's own RT100 that does a twist on this formula by making it a detachable "TV" accessory, and we've seen these on keyboards that come at the $100 price point, if not higher. Then you add in more features such as a gasket mount, hybrid wireless connectivity etc and now we are looking at something that typically costs closer to $120-125. Go further with a less-standard layout and the manufacturing costs are even higher. So imagine my surprise when Epomaker launched the new Shadow-X and it costs far less than you'd think.


The Shadow-X is certainly an interesting take on keyboards. It claims to use an unprecedented 70% form factor, which means you have more keys than the usual 65% keyboards but not the Fn key row from a 75% keyboard. Also, the keys are arranged closer to how a TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard is, which automatically makes this more approachable for those who can't get over the single bank of keys seen in the 65/75% keyboards released in the last few years. Add to this the OLED display neatly taking up space above the arrow key cluster as well as a rotary knob in the Ins-Pg Dn cluster, and this is a novel keyboard design that I have certainly never seen before. We'll put it to the test in our review today which begins with a look at the product specifications in the table below. Thanks again to Epomaker for providing a review sample to TechPowerUp!

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

At this point I knew the Shadow-X was a more budget-friendly set that still was trying to do a lot. The product box is thankfully not trying too much with a simple black banderole over the cardboard. On the front is the brand logo and product name with a simple render of the keyboard to show off the salient features. There's more marketing on the back and sides to go with contact information for Epomaker. A double flap helps keep the contents in place on their way to you.


Opening the box reveals the keyboard neatly placed inside a soft wax paper wrap to help keep it pristine and dust-free when first removed. Cardboard all around adds protection to the keyboard with the various accessories found either underneath or in a separate compartment as seen above. Epomaker provides paperwork in the form of a multi-language user manual (online copy here) which is worth going through to understand the various pre-programmed functions and onboard controls. We also get the expected USB Type-A to Type-C cable for wired connectivity, a combination metal wire keycap puller and switch remover tool, and a set of replacement keycaps in yellow PBT plastic with white doubleshot injected legends. Epomaker rounds off the unboxing experience with three spare switches of the same kind used on the keyboard you have. This is more useful than you think since it allows customers to feel more secure about switch replacement and even modding/lubing the switches by having some extras on hand.